In the news1514
Lithuanian Victory at Battle of Orsha 1514
The Battle of Orsha on September 8, 1514, saw a Lithuanian army of 30,000 men defeat a 40,000-strong Moscow force, a major event in the ongoing 1512–1522 war.
Vilnius, 1513 – Zabłudów, 29 Nov 1572
15 facts2 sources
1513
Born in Vilnius
1555–1559
Voivode of Kyiv
1559
Kasztelan trocki
1561–1566
Field lithuanian hetman
1562
Elder of Samogitia
1564–1572
Castellan of Vilnius
1566–1572
Great Hetman of Lithuania
29 Nov 1572
Dies in Zabłudów
He lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Vilnius.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1514
The Battle of Orsha on September 8, 1514, saw a Lithuanian army of 30,000 men defeat a 40,000-strong Moscow force, a major event in the ongoing 1512–1522 war.
At the table
Beer was the standard drink
Because water was often considered unsafe, beer was the most common drink for people of all social classes, and the art of distilling grain-based vodka was also introduced during this period.
What people wore
Carrying Essentials Without Pockets
Because ordinary clothing lacked pockets, both men and women carried small, pouch-shaped leather purses attached to their belts to keep needles, threads, and other small essentials.
Getting around
Average travel speeds in the 16th century
Travelers in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania generally traveled at a speed of about 25 km per day on foot or in carts laden with goods. Skilled riders, however, could travel faster, and the postal service achieved speeds of about 62 km per day.
What it cost
Cost of fur garments
In the ruler's court, fox fur garments for attendants were valued at prices ranging from 22 to 100 groshi, depending on quality.
Music
Sacred hymns and folk instruments
Kankles, an archaic string instrument, were believed to have protective spiritual powers and were traditionally crafted by men from mature forest wood. In church, people sang Gregorian chants and the religious hymn Bogurodzica, which was also sung by soldiers before battles.
Daily life
Lack of schooling for common children
Peasant and burgher children were rarely educated in schools, as they were often illiterate and expected to help with agricultural work from a young age. While some parish schools existed, primary education was sparse and focused on religious instruction.